Property Settlement

How does a Court decide what I get in my property settlement?

In determining an application for property settlement, the Court takes four basic steps:

  1. It identifies and values the property and financial resources of each of the parties;
  2. It identifies and assesses the contributions made by each of the parties;
  3. It identifies and assesses the future needs of the parties. In assessing the future needs of the parties, the Court takes into account various factors, some which include:
    1. The age and state of health of each of the parties;
    2. Where the other party has the care or responsibility of a child of the marriage who has not attained the age of 18 years;
    3. Whether any child support is being paid;
  4. The Court must make an overall assessment that is just and equitable in determining each party’s entitlements.

Are there procedures that apply before I can go to Court?

Yes. There are procedures which must be followed before making an application for orders in financial and parenting matters.

For financial matters, there are rules setting out ‘pre-action procedures’. These include the exchange of full and frank financial disclosure and a genuine attempt to settle prior to commencing proceedings in Court.

In parenting matters, it is essential to first obtain a Certificate from a mediator (see below) prior to filing an application for parenting orders unless there are exceptional circumstances such as violence or urgency.

How can I finalise an agreement I have reached?

The Family Law Act provides for the following Agreements to be entered into:

The matters covered are predominantly broken into the following categories:

  1. Separate assets and liabilities;
  2. Joint assets and liabilities; and
  3. Spouse maintenance;

Alternatively, court orders can be prepared and filed with the Court.